DEB WILLIAMS Earns Motorsports Journalism’s ‘Mt. Everest’ at Hall of Fame

January 23, 2026

• DEB WILLIAMS made history as a pioneering journalist in NASCAR’s male-dominated media landscape, starting her career at United Press International as one of the first female NASCAR reporters. Her 18-year tenure at Winston Cup Scene, including 10 years as editor of the definitive racing magazine, established her as a cornerstone of motorsports journalism when women had to fight for every press credential.
• Williams received the prestigious Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence, becoming the 14th winner of what she called “the Mt. Everest of Motorsports journalism awards.” The recognition puts her alongside broadcasting legends Ken Squier and Barney Hall, cementing her place among the sport’s most influential media voices who shaped how fans understand and follow NASCAR.
• The ceremony also honored promoter H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler with the Landmark Award, whose vision brought JANET GUTHRIE to compete in the 1976 Coke 600 after she failed to qualify for Indianapolis. Wheeler’s daughters accepted the award for their late father, who understood that bringing groundbreaking female talent to NASCAR wasn’t just progressive—it was good for the sport’s future.

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